Nets Ziaire Williams backs up solid camp with strong season opener

OCEANSIDE, Calif.— Ziaire Williams played well all through the Nets’ summer open runs, and carried that through training camp.Now the Nets’ latest reclamation project followed that up with a strong outing in Tuesday’s 115-106 preseason-opening loss to the Clippers.“I’m trying to reinvent myself, show people that I belong in this league,” Williams said.

“I’m trying to work my hardest every day.Just put all my heart, my soul out there on defensive, and carry that over to the offensive end.“I’m just trying to play hard.

I’m a student of the game.I work hard.

I’m the first one in, last one out; so I just trust in my work, trust in God and just allowing everything else to flow.”Williams, a 2021 lottery pick in Memphis who was essentially acquired as a salary dump, had 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting with three steals in 23 minutes.His athletic open court play and cutting ability is a perfect fit for the way Jordi Fernandez wants to coach and Ben Simmons wants to play.“Shoot, that’s like bread and butter to me,” Williams said.“I definitely like to run fast, play in the open court, speed the defense and speed the opposing team up, picking up fullcourt.“So I love it.

I played a little fast at Memphis, and I’m glad we’re playing fast here.I’ve been playing fast all my life, whether it’s sprinting, racing friends or playing fast on the court, this is definitely what I like to do best.

And I feel like that’s where I thrive the best.”The Nets played without Nic Claxton, with Jordi Fernandez saying the starting center should be back by Opening Night at the latest.Sign up for Inside the Nets by Brian Lewis, exclusively on Sports+.

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Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! “We’re not concerned,” Fernandez said.“It was a minor issue with thi...